Bible Reading: Genesis 13; Nehemiah 2; Matthew 12; Acts 12
Nehemiah 2:4 Then the king said unto me, For what dost thou make request? So I prayed to the God of heaven.
It was a crime to be sad in the king's presence. Nehemiah was a broken man after he heard the news of the ruined state of Jerusalem and the wall of the city lying in ruins. He had been fasting and praying to God for the sake of the city. His job was serving as the cupbearer to Artaxerxes and he was in the king's presence when the king noticed that Nehemiah was sad. To Nehemiah's horror, the king asked why he was sad. Nehemiah was afraid because the king could have him put to death for being sad in the king's presence. Nehemiah was honest and upfront with the king. He told him of the ruined state of Jerusalem. Then the king asked what his request was.
Nehemiah had been spending considerable time in prayer to God for the city of Jerusalem prior to this. Now Nehemiah has an audience with the king. He has no idea what the king's reaction will be. He could be outraged and have Nehemiah killed, or he could be indifferent and say go back to your work. He could also give Nehemiah permission to go back to Jerusalem and rebuild the walls. So Nehemiah prayed to the God of Heaven.
Nehemiah is going to ask for a lot! He asks for an extended leave of absence to go oversee this work. He asks for a passport and visa to show that he has permission to do this. He also asked for letter enabling him to cut down the timbers required to complete the job. Not only did the king grant his request, but the king also sent a military escort to see him safely there.
Nehemiah knew that the king granted his request, according to the good hand of my God upon me. Nehemiah 2:8. God answered Nehemiah's prayer through the favor of an unbelieving king! Wow! Not only did that encourage Nehemiah in a mighty way, but his testimony is going to encourage and motivate the people of Jerusalem to join with him in this task.
Nehemiah 2:18 Then I told them of the hand of my God which was good upon me; as also the king's words that he had spoken unto me. And they said, Let us rise up and build. So they strengthened their hands for this good work.
Do you pray to the God of heaven? Do you believe that he hears you? Think for a minute about what Nehemiah prayed for. He prayed for the glory of God in the city of Jerusalem. He did not pray for ease or luxury for himself. As a matter of fact, he put himself in harm's way because of his prayer. He wanted God's name to be glorified. Pray!
In Christ,
Rody
